Electro postmarking-machine.



F. G. BOSWELL.

ELECTRO POSTMABKING MACHINE.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2 F. G. BDSWELL. ELECTRO PSTMARKING MACHINE.

API-mummy FILED rBB.1a,1Qo9.

Y fui Hummm@ NNUNN F. G. BOSWBLL.

ELECTRO POSTMARKING lsrmfmlm:k

APPLXCATIGN FLED FEB.13.1909.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

7 SHEETS4SHEET 3,

F. G. BOSWELL.

ELECTRO POSTMARKING MACHINE,

APPLICATION FILED YEB.1B,19U9. 1,024,552, Patented Apr. 30, 1912,

rl SHEETSHEET 4.

QN 53K @n ...l .ww

VMM,

F. G. BOSWELL.

ELECTRO POSTMARKING MACHINEk APPLGATION FILED FEB.13,1909.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 5,

P. G. BOSWELL. ELECTRO POSTMARKING MACHINE.

. APPLICATION FILED PEBJS, 1909. 1,024,552. Patented Apr. 3o, 1912.

'J' SHEETS-SHEET 6.

www? u F. G. BOSWBLL.

ELECTRO POSTMARKING MACHINE.

APPLIATION FILED PBB.13,1909. 1,024,552. Patented Apr. so, 1912.

i beingr hollow forms a residing` FRANCIS G. BOSWELL, 0F WASHINGTON, `:DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ELECTRO PosTMARKINe-MAoHINE.

Toall whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, FRANCIS G. Boswnm., a citizen of the United States of America, at lVashington city, District of Columbia, have invented a new and useful Electro Postmarking-Machine This invention pertains to that class of printing,r machiner-, popularly known, as post-marking or stamp canceling machines. BroadlyY speaking, such machinery may be divided into two classes; the one, in which the canceling cylinder or hub, revolves continually, and the other, in which the die hub or cylinder is held normally stationary, being rotated only at the moment of canceling the stamp, and imprinting the postmark. To this latter class., belongs the following described invention, which seeks to provide new and novel means, for liberating the die hub, and for putting the same into motion, at. the moment. of liberation.

It also contemplates other novel means, which causes quick and efficient separation ot' mail matter, and the subsequent stacking of the same after cancellation.

An electric register for counting each piece of mail canceled, and an automatic mking device, for keeping the ink roll supplied with ink, constitute with the features mentioned above. the salient parts of the machine, on which it is desired to obtain Letters Patent.

The invention further provides for an increased etiicieney, and speed in machines of this class, and alsotor the concentration of all m ving parts Within the smallest practicable area. To this end, a column a is designed to support thoflciwer bed plate b, with the aid ot the cap screws Standards d integral with the'bed ,plate l) sustain the upper bed plate (flat head screws f penetrating the standards through this bed plate) and the space contained between the two bed plates, provides room for those parts ot' the machine, vital to its operation, but not of necessity exposed. The column a suitable compartment, for the driving motor, the machine being belt driven, is adapted for use in connection with either alternatin or direct current motors, irrespectivei of their speed or shape.

The conspicuously new features, are electrically operated, and,are thus assured of quick and positive action, While provision is made, for insuring all contacting surfaces Specication of Letters Patent. Application led February 13, 1909. Serial No.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912. 477,522.

against the oxidation, ordinarily attending the making and breaking of a circuit.

A stacker back entirely automatic in its action, and a stacker extension arm easily and quicklyY operated, conclude the objects for which the apparatus is designed.

ln the exposition of this specification, a particular form of machine is adhered to, but the invention is not oontlned to this cs ecial form. Its application in practical fields may necessitate certain changes and alterations, which the right is claimed to make, provided such changes and alterations are comprehended by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings which accompany this specification and form a part thereof: Figure l is a top plan view of the machine showing the upper bed plate and parts of the machine mounted thereon. Fic. 2 is a sectional plan vieu' taken slightlmxr below the upper bed plate, and showing the vital parts ot the machine` which are carried between the tivo bed plates. and showing` in dotted lines the auxiliarv feed belt. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the machine. parts being broken away so as to display the driving mechanism for the machine. Fig. l is a detail elevation of the driver mechanism. the die hub or cylinder and the impression roller, showing its sectional shaft, the parts of which are connected by universal joints. Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the two bed plates. showing the automatic stacker back and its guiding frame in side view. and also illustrating the star wheel; in this figure the remaining parts of the machine, other than those above mentioned. are omitted. Fig. 6 is a detail vieiv showing the upper and lower bed plates in section. clearlyv illustrating the auxiliary feed belt. and the tightening means therefor. Fig. T is a view showing the method for taking up the slack inthe idlerv drive belt. Fig. Slis a detail fragmentary sectional view of the automatic stacker back, clearlyY illustrating the manner in which it is guided upon the rods ot the stacker tray. Fig. 9 is a sectional vieu' through the electric register, clearly illustrating the essential features in the edge view. Fig. l0 is a sectional view on lino 10-10 of Fig. 9. showingr the parts of the register in side elevation. Fig. `1l is a `detail perspective view showing thc leed roll 33, and thc manner'in which the same is movably mounted in th'hed plate, and` the `in Fig. 19. Fi

. is'an enlar y one side o the stacker back and 1ts frame.

show clearly the t i ler rolls and showing t means for adjusting said feed roll. Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of a lportion of the structure shown in Fig. 4, s owing in detail the cushioning means carried by the detent, whereby the detent plate is cushioned; in this figure'itis to, e understood that the detent plate has been retarded,

,and the cushioning means under tension;

the detent plate is cushioned for the distance indicated by the line ars-m. Fig. 13 isa detail perspective view of the detent, showing the cushioning means in its normal condition. Fig.' 14 is a sectional view on line 14--14 of Fig. 49, showing the particular construction of the driver, which construction is vital to the operation thereof. Fig.` 15 is a sectional view online 15-15 of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a view showing .the driver, 'that is shown in Figs. 12, 14and 15, disassembled, showing the leader member and the follower member. Fig. 1T is a detail view of the holder and its stud, in which holder the brush ,for contacting with the driver is mounted. Fig. 18 is a sectional view on line 18-18 of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 1s a top plan fragmentary view, showingthe ink pump, the means or magnet for operating the plunger or piston of the pump, and thel 'means for closing and opening the `circuit for the said ma net. r Fig. 20 is a detail sectional view o a ortion of the pump, through which thelnk is forced upon the inker idler roll. Fig. 21 is a detail perspective View of the means for closing and opening the circuit of the` magnet, that is shown 22 is a sectional view on line22--22 of ig. 19. Fig. 23 is a sectional view vertica lythrough the automatic stacker back and its frame, showing opposite positions of the moving parts. Fig. 24 ed detail, sectional view through Fig. 25 is a sectional view transversely through Fig. 24 upon line 25-25, so as to back. F' 26 is a detail plan view of the u perbeiplate, showin 'one of the switch e slot which allows for movement thereof. 27 is a sectional view on line 27-27 o Fi 26, clearly illustrating the L-shaped brac et member for supporting the switch idler roll. Fig. 28 is a detail sectional view through the -inker idler roll, the ink pad troll, and the bracket or mounting for such rolls, showing clearly the manner in which the bracket or mounting is secured .to the upper bed plate. Fig. 29 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the up er bed' plate, showing the carrier belt and t e rolls therefor. -Fi 30 is a sectional viewA on line 30-30 of ig. 29. Fig. 31 is a to plan view of a portion of the upper bed ate, showing the switch, the switch idler rol andthe contact block and blowout magnet. Fig. 32 is a sectional view on construction of the stacker line 32-32 of Fig. 31. Fig. 33 is a detail view of a portion of the upper bed plate, showing a modication of the auxiliary feed belt, in other words, a flat feed belt, which may be used in lieu of the belt shown in Figs. 1, 3 and G, and alsoillustrating the manner 1n which motion is transmitted to .said belt. Fig. 34 is a fragmentary detail view showing a modification of the separating means that is shown in Fig. 1; in this figure the separating means proper is adjustable by means of the thumb nut. Fig. 35 is a sectional view on line 35--35 of Fig. 34, showing the parts upon an enlarged scale, and illustrating the manner in which the thumb nut is held from rotatin when once adjusted. Fig. 36 shows a urther modification of the separating meansfshow- `ing modified means for holding the separating means or cone in adjusted positions. Fig. 37 is a detail view of a portion of the structure that is shown in Fi is a view showing a modification of separating means, which comprise fingers. Fig. 39 is a fragmentary yiew', showing in side elevation the structure that is shown in Fig. 38. Fig. 40 is a detail view of the meshing gears for operating the stacker extension arm. Fig; 41 is a detail sectional view, showing clearly the manner in which the stacker extension arm is guided. Fig. 42 is a sectional view on line 421-42 of Fi 9, showing clearly the detail structure o the register mechanism. Fig. 43 is a detail perspective view of one form of switch which is contacted with by an advancing letter for closing the circuit upon the detent magnet and the magnet 91. ,Fig 44 is a detail plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 43, showing in dotted lines the reverse position of the pawl 75. Fig. 45 is a detail perjpective view of a portion of the frame of e stacker tray shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 46 is a sectional view through one of the members, or slides of the stacker back shown in Fig. 1, clearly illustrating the ball bearing feature, so as to allow the stacker back to move-easily by t e weight of the mail. Fig. 47 is a sectie al iw vertically through the structure sho n in Figs. 43 and 44, showing clearly the manner of securin the tongue 73 and pawl 75 upon the stud 7%. Fig. 48 is a sectional view showing the detail structure of the mounting of the roller 28 to the. bed late c, clearly illustrating the adjustable eature thereof. Fig. 49 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure shown in Fig. 4, showing in detail the particular features of the driver, the drive hub or cylinder 4and the impression roller whic is driven from motion of one section of the sectional shaft of the driver. through the medium of the gear 51 and the cooperating gear of the said section of the sectional shaft; the impression rollers shaft com- 36. Fig. 38

prises flexible connected sections, so as to allow movement o f the said roller; in this figure, the detent is rather too small to show its detail construction. Fig. is a. detail sectional, view showing Vthedie cylinder and its detent plate, the detent and its detent `vmagnet, showing the cushioning niean's as being-dispensed'with. Fig. 51` is a detail 'view of the sheaves 142 4and their supports. Fig. 52 is a Adetail cross sectional view of the'die cylinder. Fig. 53 is asectional View upon line 53-53 of Fig. 32. Fig. 54 is a detail sectional/view transversely through the lower portion of the .stacker back 360, showingmore cle'arlythe wedge or bevel l shape of the back and how the three pieces down bythe cap screws 3", 4, 5" and 6*.

Number 7' is thc assisting arm mounted loosely on the, stud 8, and thrown normally backi'v ard, by the spring 9, the length of throw 4being limitedv by the lug lO on the arm, coming in contact with the projection 11^on the stud. The assisting armunoves overthe auxiliary feeding belt 12, and in 4rear of the mail (which is placed upon the feed belt) in order to assist in feeding the mail to the separating mechanism. The mail when placed upon the belt is positioned in front of the arm '7. The auxiliary feed belt 12 `runs over loose sheaves 13, carried by the rods 14, set in boxed bearings 15, in the4 bed plate. This feed belt is endless in form, and the upper portions of the belt, as seen clearly in Fig. 1, pass from each loose sheave 13, at one end of the auxiliary feed belt, to-each sheave directly opposite. The portionsof the feed belt which are disposed beneath the bed plate e pass from each s heaye at one end to each sheave diagonally opposite thereto, as shown clearly in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The portions of the feed belt 12 which pass from the corner loose sheaves 12'l are disposed downwardly and toward one another, in order to form the looped portion 12" of the belt, which travel about the sheaves 16,16Ii and the pulley 18, as clearly disclosed vin Fig. 6 of the illustra tions. Thisbelt also runs over a belt tightener, composed `of sheaves 16 and 16, mounted on frame 17, which also carries the boxed pulley 18. I This whole frame swivels on thev lower bed plate, being connected thereto bythe screw stud 19. A wing screw 20 serves to hold the frame 17 stationary, when it has been moved to tighten the belt 12.= This belt is driven from .one of the tightener` pulleys,` by the bevel 4gear 21, meshing with a bevel gear 22 lon the face of the pulley 16, 'thebevel gear 21receiving motion from the shaft 23, on which it is fastened. The shaft 23 has a thrust bearing in the top of the 'box 24, and a steadying bearing 25 set in bracket 26, which straddles the auxiliary belt and is secured to the' bottom of the upper bed plate by suitable cap` screws.' The sheave 27, is also fastened to the shaft 23, and is the .medium through which thesh'aft receives motion. Y

In Fig. 33, an auxiliary fiat feed belt is' shown, which may be employed in lieu of the auxiliary feed belt shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 6, and is designated by the numeral 500, and is operated by an endless Abelt 501, simi- 'lar to that 'shown in Fig. 2, and which travels about thesheave or pulley 502, the

shaft503 of which is journaledin suitable bearings of the upper and lower bed plates. The shaft 503 has movable therewith a bevel gear 504, which meshes'with a bevel ear 505 carried upon the shaft .506, on wich' and movable therewith isa roll 507, about which the-auxiliary flat feed'belt travels. This auxiliary flat feed belt 500 also travels about aroll 508 carried by and movable with the shaft 509, which is mounted in suitable bearings of the upper bed plate. lThe bearings for the shafts 506 and 509 are similar to the box bearings 15 shown in Fig.1 6 and for that reason it isnot necessary to illustrate the same in Fig. 33. Numeral 28is `the feed belt tightener p ulley secured to the shaft 29`, which is carried by the bracket bearing 30 designed to slide in a recessed portion of the upper bed plate, being capable of enough longitudinal adjustment to take up all slack in the feed belts 31 this adjustment being maintained by the cap screw 30a which, passing through' the slotted portion 30" of the bracket, holds it to the bed plate. The -shaft 29 carries at itslowe: d a sheave 32 from which the feed belts a1 aie driven. These feed belts in turn drive the feed roller 33 which carries on its periphery, midway between the two belts, the feed rubber 34. The feed roller is looselymounted on the stud 35 set in and projecting through a slide (composed of the parts 35 and 35" united by the screws 35) which moves in a slotted portion of the bed plate, this slot being out on the arc of a circle, the center of whichis the shaft'29. This method gives flexibility. to the feed roller withoutaffecting the tension of the feed belts. The flat spring 36 holds the stud ,35 normally against the front of theslot,

but this stud is ,adjustable backward by means of the hand wheel 37 and rod 37 which connects with the rod 38 through the vided on its periph bevel gears 39. .This rod 38 passes throu h bracketed bearings 40, and threads into t e box nut 41 which slides in a recessed portion of the crank 42 and at the same time is capable of a swiveling motion on the pins 43.

On' the fence 4 brackets' 390 and 391 are r` mounted being made integral with the fence'. 2Ihe brackets 390 and 391' carry bearings in which the separator cone shaft 392 isljournaled, while the bracket 391 acts as a st eadying bearing for the separator gear shaft 52. On the shaft 392 the separator cone is mounted, its surface being provided with the spirally formed steps 393, while that portion ofthe frustum near the base carries the separator rubber 394. A bevel gear 395 is fastened on the shaft 392 at the end remote from the cone and meshes with the bevel gear 396 carried by the shaft 5,2. The cone 1s "then driven in a clockwiseA direction, (when viewed from the apex) by the gear 50 whicl1,4meshin with the drive gear 51,.'receives-motion and transmits it by the shaft 52 to the bevel -gar 396.

Avmodified form of separator may be used, as shown inlFigs. 34, 35, 36 and 37,

in which ease a swinging fence 397 is used in place of the fence 4, while the steadying aring of shaft 52 is transferred to the bed plate e. A hinge 398, integral with the fence 397, sets over the shaft 52 on that portion which extends througlrthe bed' plateon which it-has a thrust, and the hinge is so formed as to straddle the feed gear 396. With the separator on this swinging fence, it is unnecessary to have the feed roll 33 adjustable, for the swinging property of the fence makes possible the adjustment of the separator cone. This adjustment is accomplished by the adjustment screw 399, the head of which rests behind the bifurcated extension 400 of the projection 401, this projeetion beinga part of the fence 39,7. The other end of the screw passes through the lug 402 (stationary on the bed plate) and enters t-he knurled nut 403, while the spiral spring 404, which is under compression between t-he tug 402`and the bifurcated part 400, tends to force the fence 397,`tegether with the separator cone, toward the feed roller. By turning the nut 403, the position ofthe cone with respect to the feed roller can be varied. l

Another -form of adjustment screw is shown in Figs. 5H and 35, in which form, the screw is hinged to the separator fence at the point 405` where it is capable of a swivclinglr movement. .Passing through the tu;r t00,to the top of which the fiat spring 407 is secured. it threads into the nut 408, proerjl with grooves for the reception of the spring. lVith this form of adjustment Screw, any movement of the separator felice must necessarily cause a movement of the? screjv, but the spring 407` upper end and being long enough to remain in contact with the nut 408 for the extreme movement of the screw, any predetermined adjustment of the nut- 408 is not upset. j

Still another form of separator is shown in Figs. 38 and 39 which com rises fingers. The finger 4-4 is mounted on the solid spindle 45, which drops through' the hollow spindle 46. A This spindle 46 carries atits directly below the finger 44, the finger 47. These two spindles conne/cit, below the upper bed plate, with the recip` roeating arms 48 and 49.. The hollow, shaft 46 is provided with suitable bearing features in the upper bed `plate. The gear 50 serves to drive the separating fingers, by meshing with the drive gear' 51. The gear 50 is mountedon the shaft 52, eccentrics 53. Suitable eccentric straps 54 and connecting rods 55 unite the eccentrcs with the reciprocating arms.

The carrier belt 56, running over the pulleys 57 and 58 and rolls 57'l and 57", is driven by pulley 57, which in turn is driven by the sheave 59, through t-he shaft G0. Bracketsifl, droppedY from the upper bed plate, form suitable hearings for the shaft 60, while roll 57* is set in bearings (formed on the top ofthe u per bed plate) inwhich it is retained by tie 57". The roll 58 is held in a man'ner simil'zp, but on the under side/ of 'the' upper bed plate by thrust plates 57 and 57 The carrier belt tightener pulley 57"is carried bya bracket 62 which slides in a track formed in the upper` bed plate inV which it is held by the cap screw 63.

Numerals 65 and 66 are the switch idler rollers. Grooves 65l are cut in their circumferences to provide clearance for the switch tongue 73, there being only one of said 4grooves shown, as shown in Figs. 3 yand 27.

Each of these rollers is carried, on its shaft (which is integral with the roller) in suitable L-shaped bearings 67, swiveling from the upper bed plate on screw studs 67, with the legs of the L-shaped bearings movable through slots cut in the bed plate. The

rollers are further provided with sheaves 68 from which each receives motion- V The stacker idler rollers 69 and 70 are substantially the same as the switch idler rollers having bearings 71 and sheaves 72. identical respectively with 67 and GS. and mounted in the same way on screw studs 7N. The switch is Acomposed of the tongue 72' swivelgd. on the Istud 74 directly above the paw] i5. A shoulder on the stitd keeps the tongue und paw] from dropping to the bottom of the stud`and-i1 suitable washer 7G and screw 77 premjhthem from rising ntf the top. The pawl-'isdpablc of movement between the'studs 78 und 79,;while the tongue is normally held back against the pillar 80 by the spring 81,thetension of which carries the which epi-ing iS: governed by the screw S2 and the lintli'ltd nut H Het in the, box Si. The spring Sl is otgreater strength than the s Vliral spring nl), whit-h ie eonnertetl b'etwren tlie piu HV on the pawl and pin ST on the tongue and eet-vee4 to hold the prwl against the Stull To, when the tongue is against the pillar S0; the epring then contracting on that .aide of the stud Tt neareSt the stud TH. When the tongue T3 is away from the 88 Set on pivotal bearings 89 und 90, the

pivot 8S) being .stationary in the lower leg of the Contact blow-out magnet 91, and the pivot 00 adj ustable through the upper leg, by means of a threaded portion and the jam nut 02, A Spring 03 holds the block 88 in line with the magnety legs, and. at the Same time allows; it a pivotal movement which iS imparted lo it by the awl 75, when it makes Contact with the blbek. The fare of the bloeit, normally remote from the pawl,

is provided with an insulated section, so thatthe paw] having closed the circuit of the detent magnet on it@` forward movement, will not do so in returning. The funetion ot' the blow-out magnet is to provide a magnetic field where the eireuit is made and brokemso that the are resulting from opening the eireuit will be blown out and the oxidation of the` contact surt'aees` thereby prevented. The blow-out magnet 01 is mounted on an insulating base 01 and secured to the upper bed plate in any Suitable mannei.e

The detent magnet 9T is Setin the frame 0G bolted to the upper bed plate, which frame is provided with the arm 07. `A knurled screw 0H and lock nut 00 constitute means for adjusting the plunger core 100 vertically through the center ot' the magnet. This plunger ie designed to disengge the detent 101 from the deteut plate 10.1-, by hitting the tail of the detent, thus drawing the time down. 'lhe detent is Set in a slotted out portion ol' the upper bed plate and rides ou a pin102. whieh pin is set up in the bottom ot' the upper bed plate c, where it is held by thrust platee 10:22 secured by Screws 1021". A- .spring 103 serves to hold the tail of the detent down.

The detent 101 eoinprisee two parts, the

part 101, which oseillates upon the pin 102,V

and the part 10th. The pqrt 10FL is provided with a V-shaped tongue 101, which 1s reeeived by the V-shaped groove 101d of the part 10th; in thie way the two parte of the deteut have a Sliding connection. In the end 101, a :screw pin 101t is threaded, which extend` into a supplenteutal rectangular groove 101-r of the part 101", and is designed to be contacted with by the Shoulder 101i, that to say, when the part 101b is extended its tall limit, aeshown in Fig. 12. The contacting of the shoulder and the pin is gradually reached as the Spring 101k is distended by the engagement of the nose of the detent with the notch 105 of the detent plate, which Causes the part 101D to have a sllding action or movement upon the part 101", that is to say. at the time the die cylinder and detent plate are rotating as on'e body and the circuit ot' the detenta magnet and the magnet 01 is broken. The spring 101k has one of its ends seeured to a inojection 101m, while its other end secured to the rear portion 101n of the part 101 h, ae shown clearly in Figs. 12 and 13. The spring 103 is interposed between the top ot the recess 101l of the bed plate e and the projection 101m, one end of the spring 1,03 being Secured to the bed plate in the said recess, while the other end sur rounds an extension 101s ot' the said projee tion. as shown elearly in Fig. 1Q.

The structure ot' detent, as above described, is provided for the purpose of cushioning the die cylinder, when the same is retarded, that iS, when the detent magnet eireuit is broken, So aS to prevent wear upon the said detent plate and the detent, which would otherwise be if there were no cushioning means provided.

rlhe detent plate 101 is of the Shape Shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the notch 105 out in its periphery being designed to engage the nose of the detent. The sleeve of this detent plate is. either keyed to or held frietionally on the die hub Shaft 100. fl`hodie hub 107 is provided with a Slot .10S eut through the eireumlerenee to the bore, while a bolt` 109, passing tangentially through the hub and at right 'angles to the slot, serves to clamp the hub on the Shaft 100, over the detent plate Sleeve. This method of mounting the diehub allows it to be moved around and set in any position with respect to the detent' plate, and, as the correct` cancellation of mail dependent on the position ot" the die hub with res ect to that portion ot' the detent plate w1th which the detent engages, the neeessity of this adjustable feature is apparent.

The die hub shaft 106 has a. suitable bearing 110 in the upper bed plate e. A steadyiug bearing 111, set in the bracket 112, sutliees to relieve `all transverse Strains due to operation. Directly below the upper bed plate, the die hub shaft 106 enetrates the copper cylinder 113 (which 1n practice is shrunk upon it) and rests on a thrust bearing composed of the ball 114, set in the upper end of the main shaft 115. The copper cylinder 113 is the follower of the driver, which moves the die hub. The leader is composed of the brass cylinder 116, slotted out alternately from the top and' bottom thereof, thus making adjacent slots open at opposite ends of the cylinder. Rings 117 and 118 (of some magnetizable substance,

preferably mild steel) are boxed out to the` external diameter of the cylinder 116 and their faces are slotted, as shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 16. Magnetizable L-shaped fingers 119 are mounted on these rings, the treads 119i being riveted in the slots 117's and 118B, and the projections 119q extending into the bore of the rings a distance equal to the thickness of the brass cylinder. The pitch of the fingers on each ring is equal to the pitch of alternate slots in the brass cylinder, and, when pressed on the cylinder from op osite ends, constitute au annular cylinder diuilt up of alternate segments of brass and steel, the rings 117 and 118 serv ing as flanges for holding on the winding and also to provide a magnetic path of low reluctance between every other steel segment. The lower face of the ring 118 is blended .into a pseudo-spherical collar which fits over the main shatt 115 and serves to hold the whole cylinder solidly thereon by a suitable set screw 120 and key 121. On this spool shaped cylinder, a suitable coil of wire 122 is wound, one end of which isl grounded to the cylinder itself, while the other end is led out to the slip ring 123. This slip ring is mounted on a fiber ring 124 (acting as an insulator) carried by the brass cylinder 125,

` which is pressed over the whole of this leader, where it is held by frictional contact with the feed rings 118 and 117 and performs its function as a shield for the winding.

In the above described driver, a mechanically-rotating magnetic field is used. The Winding 122 is supplied with direct current from the generator g (the circuit of which will be brought out later) and the magnetic fiux due to this Winding is concentrated at the poles 119. Being rigidly su ported on the main shaft 115, it rotates wit i the latter and the magnetic field being thus constantly changed with respect to the follower 113, diminutive electrical currents are induced in the periphery of said follower, and the tendency oft-hese being td'-follow the leader `by the ma etism therein, the follower 113 will rotate 1u unison with the leader, providing there is no restraining force to the said member 113. But the function of the detent 101 is to provide this restrainin force, ag at the roper moment; for the ie hub, being ri id y connected to the follower, ro tutes wit that member, and is started and stopped `intermittently by the engagement and disengagement of the nose of the detent with notch 105 in the detent plate.

The stud 126 is mounted on the lower bed plate, the lower extremity extcndin through the plate inside the insulating bus ling 127. A suitable nut 127a is threaded cn to this projection and serves to hold the stud insulated from the body of the machine. The upper end of this stud terminates in annular projections, bifurcated in such a m nner as to orm a clamp for the brush ho er 128, this annular bifurcation being tightened around the brushholder 128 by the screw A12S). This brush holder 128 consists of a tube which holds the brush 130 and the cap 131 threaded on to the tube presses against the spiral spring 132, which in turn presses upon the brush and keeps it in contact with the slip ring 123.

The main shaft 115, which is the prime moving medium for the whole mechanism, passes through the lower bed plate b into the column a, and having a suitable bearing 133 in the said bed plate and a bearing 134 carried by the bracket 135, which is secured to the -lower bed plate by cap screws 136. Studs 137 fit in holes in the lower bed plate and thus assure the correct alinement of the two bearings. A thrust bearing, composed of a ball 138 set in a cupped screw 139 vthreaded in to the bearing housing of the bracket 135, serves to support the main shaft vertically, and, at the same time, allows a vertical adjustment which is maintained b the lock nut 140. The main shaft .115 1s driven by the motor m, through the medium of the motor sheave 141, the drive belt 142, the idler sheaves 143 and the sheave 144. The sheaves 143 are mounted in the bifur cated end of the studs 145, Where they are held by the pins 146, on which they are capable of a rotary motion. That end of the bifurcated portion of the studs 145 which holds the pins 146 is out of line with the stud a distance equal to the radius of the sheave 143, and the studs, 145, being capable 'o f a pivotal movement in the bearlngs 147, ivherethey are secured on the forward ends by the shoulders 148 and the Irear ends by the screw threads and nuts 149 and 150, the sheaves 143 can be moved on the studs 145 as a center without disturbing the relation of the grooves on.sheaves143 with res ect to the groove or sheave 144. This met 'od allows the diameter of sheave 141 to be varied to suit motors of different speeds.

The ink pump shown in the plan is composed of the solenoidal ma et 151, into which the plunger core 152 slides and the pump cylinder 153, in which the piston 154 siides. The piston rod 155 is threaded into the piston at one'end, and into the plunger core at the other end. A spiral spring 156 is under compression, between the fshoulder 157 on the core and the end of the magnet,

and tends to keep the core out of the magnet. A projection 158 ou this shoulder is designed to engage alternately the arms 159 and 160 of the pump contacter 161. This contactor-161 Walks on a pin 162, set in the forked block 163, and is held down against either the block 164 or block 165, depending `on Whichside of the pin 162 (which is the center of movement) the springr 166, connected between the upper end of the offset arm 167 and the stud 168, contacts. The block 164 is insulated from the bed plate e and carries a platinum tip 169, which contacts With a similar platinum point on the contacter. The block 165 performs no other function than toact as a rest for the contacter, so that the movement of the contactor is the same on either side of the pin 162. The cylinder 168 is covered at one end by a` cap 171, which is screwed on, and through which the piston rod 155 passes; while the other end is permanently closed and has leading from it a tube 172, whichA connects with a suitable ink reservoir 173 (placed preferably on the lower bed plate, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3) and contains a check valve 172th Another tube 174 also projects from the cylinder 158, but on the side near the end. This tube also contains a check Valve 174a and is blended` into a rectangular mouth. which carries a felt brush 175, this brush pressing against the ink roll idler 176. rllhis ink roll idler 176,.Which is integral with its shaft, has a bearing in the rear portion ot' the ink roll frame 177, the said rear portion being formed into an annular tube, which passes through the upper bed plate e, and is held in the same by the collar 178, and set screw 179. This trame is capable ot a circular motion with the tubular portion as a center, and the shaft of the idler 176, passingr through the tube, carries at its lower end the sheave 180, from which it receives motion.

The ink roll 181 is carried on the stud 182, which a part of the frame, and runs by Contact with the idler 176. On that end ot the frame remote from the idler, a stud 183 is mounted. This stud has a threaded eye to receive the adjustment screw 184, Which, after entering said eye. encounters the pillar 185. against which it is drawn by the spring 186, commited between the .stud 187 on the bed plate and the hook 188 on the frame, 177. By this means` the ink roll is adjustable toward the die hub to compensate for wear, and the springF cushions the ink roll trame againstthe impact of the dic-hub or cylinder.

The operation of the inking device is as follows '--A ssu1ning the plunger core`152 to be in sich a position that the projection 158 engages the arm 160, the contacter will be carried down toward the block 164 (which is connected to the winding of the magnet tracts 151 by the wire 189) and as soon as the spring 166 passes the pin 162, it will contract, thus drawing the contact points 169 and 176 together and closing the circuit on the magnet 151. The magnet then receives current from the generator y; (one brush of which is grounded) through the wire. lilthlhc' snap switch 191 (which is used to cut out the magnet vin ease of a too great supply pt ink) and the wire 19:2 (connected between the switch and magnet). This current, after traversing the magnet winding, leaves by the Wire 189, the block 164, the Contact point 169'and the Contact 170, passing onto the frame of the machine and back to the grounded brush of the generator. Un the admission of current. the Windingr becomes energized and sucks in the. core- 152 which, being positively connected to the piston 154, draws the latter to the front oit the cylinder 153. This movement creates a partial vacuum in the cylinder, and the check valve in the tube 17:2 opens and admits ink from the reservoir 173.

Vtlhen the plunger 1.62 has penetrated the magnet, a certain depth, the projection 158 engages the arm 159, pressing the contacter down toward the block 165, and as soon as the spring 156 passes the pin 162, it conand, drawing, the contacter 161 against the block 165, separates the points 169 and 176, which action opens the circuit on the magnet. The magnet being thus deenergized, the spring 156 then acts to force the plunger out of the core and to drive the piston 154 to the back of the cylinder 153. But the ink in the cylinder retards this motion. It cannot be forced back into the ink reservoir, as the check valve in the tube 172 has closed, but it can enter the tube 171 (by opening` the, check Valve therein) Where it saturates the brush 175, from which it is spread on the idler 176 and communicated by the latter to the ink roll. 181. When all the ink in the cylinder has been forced out, the projection will be in a position to again close the circuit on the magnet 151. and the same cycle of operations described above will be repeated.

The impression roll 193 is mounted on the shaft 194, where it is held by suitable set screw 195 and carries on its periphery the rubber ring 196. The shaft 191 is journaled at either end in the frame 197, which is pro vided with ribs 198 adapted to slide in the guideway 199cut in the upper bed plate. A flat U-vshaped spring 199a bolted to the hed plate, by cap .screws 200 and. pressing,r against the back of the frame 197. vtends to force it, together with the roll 193 which it carries, in the direction of `the die hub; but this movement is limited by the stud 261, which, assing through the plate Q62 mounted on t e back of the bed plate, carries the nuts 203. The function of the stud 201 and nuts 203 (one of which is a lock nut) is to adjust the impression roll in toward the die hub, to accommodate the thinnest letters, while the spring allows a yielding motion to accommodate the various thickness of'mail. 0n the lower end of 'the shaft 194 is carried the universal coupling 204, which is held by the set screw 205. The arms 204 of this coupling are adapted to encompass the ball 206 in the grooves 206B. The mating member of this coupling is mounted on the top ot' the coupling rod 208, where it is secured by set screw 209 and its U-shaped armsA 203:' are adapted to slide in the grooves 206b of the ball. Theilower end of the rod 208 carries a member 210 (similar to member 204) which is held by the set screw 2117 and encircles the ball 212; While the upper end of the impression roll gear shaft 214 carries a member 213 (similar to member207) which straddles the ball 212 and is held to the shaft by the set screw 215. This universal joint of coupling allows the free movement of the impression roll without atlecting its perpendicularity and yet it remains positively driven bythe shaft 214, ,which receives motion from the gear 215l secured to it, this gear meshing with the drive gear 51 mounted on the main shaft 115. The shaft 214 has a suitable bearing 216, set in the lower bed plate and is prevented from rising out of this bearing by the screw 217 an'd washer 218. The sheave 219 is also mounted on this shaft and is the prime mover for the idler drive belt 220. This belt 220 is the medium for driving all parts which are not necessarily positively driven. Receiving motion from the sheave 219, it passes over various subidlers which serve to properly direct it. These subidlers are vertically, horizontally or obligue-1y disposed and are spoken of as vertical, horizontal or oblique idlers, dei pending on whether they are perpendicular. parallel or oblique to the bed plate on which they are mounted. The horizontal and oblique idlers are carried on blocks and rotate on serew studs, as shown, while the vertical idlers run on screw studs held by brackets.

Beginning at the sheavc 219, belt 220 passes over the vertica'l sub-idler (mounted on the lower bed plate) up to the vertical sub-idler 222 (mounted on the upper bed plate) thence to the horizontal sub-idler 223, around the sheaves 72 and over the horizontal sub-idler 224. Leaving 224, it encircles the pulley 59, crosses the horizontal sub-idler 225` and drives the stacker star wheel sheave 236, from which it. is directed by the horizontal sub-idler 227, to the vertical sub-idler 228. From 228, it passes under the tighten'cr idler 229, over the vertical sub-idler 230, own around the generator sheave 231, an up. oyerthe vertical sub-idler 232, from which it is directed around the auxiliary feed belt sheave 27, to the feed roller sheave 32. The drive belt 220 then passes around the horizontal sub idler 233, to the horizontal sub-idler 234, from which it winds around the switch idler sheaves G8 to the horizontal subidler 2155, and 1re-circles the sheave 219, after passing over the ink roll idler sheave 180, the oblique sub-idler 237 (mountedon the bottom of the upper bed plate), the oblique sub-idler 288 (mounted on the top of the lower bed plate) and the horizontal suhidler 239 (also mounted Von the top of the lower bed plate).

The belt tightener idler 229 is mounted in a forked frame 240 and revolves on the stud 241. A hook 242 swivels in the bottom of the :trame 240, and a spiral spring 243 connects between this hook and a similar one 244 in the top o'f the bolt 245. This bolt is threaded into the lower bed plate and is u sed to increase or decrease the tension on the spring, being held in itsl adjusted position by the jam nut 246.

The disposition of the b'elt 220, around the sheaves GS and 72, is suc-h as will tend to keep their respective rollers together, and, any tendency to separate either pair of rcll ers (which the passage of mail would necessitate) will be met by a strain ou the belt 220, which strain will be taken care ot by the spring 243, the spring furnishing the necessary elasticity for the said separation.

The generator g is used to supply current to the electrical devices on the machine and it can be either of the permanent magnet or series type, the preference being with the latter. The pole Walls 247 support the pole pieces 248, with the aid of the cap screws 249; while the armature 2.30, with its commutator 251, is mounted on the shaft 252, jourualed in the pillar blocks The pillar blocks are fastened to the lower bed plate by cap screws 254, as are the pole Walls 247, which are secured by the screws 255. The armature shaft 252 carries the sheave 231, at its rear end, and receives motion from the belt 220. The brush 256 is grounded on the pillar block, where it is mounted, While the brush 257 is insulated therefrom and has connected to it one end of the licld winding 25S, the other end of which is connected to the brush holder stud 126, by the wires 190 and 259. to the register magnet, by the wires 190 and 260, and to the detent magnet 95, by the Wires 190 and 261.

The register 7' is com osed of the numerical wheels 262, mounte on the shaft 263, on which they are capable of a rotary motion, so as to bring any of the ten figures (l, 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,18, 9, or 0) opposite the glass covered openings 264. The shelf 265, with the aid of the screws 266, carries the fiat springs 267, the round noses of which 268 are de V28S, on which lever 283 moves.

signed to fall in the notches 269. These springs hold the Wheels normally stationary and yet yield sufficiently to allow the Wheels to be moved. l

The tens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands Wheels carry on their right sides, near the periphery, the pins 270, and the units, tens, hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands wheels have mounted on their left sides the L-shaped arms 271. These arms 271 are held by studs 272 and are directed toward the centers of the wheels by the flat Springs 273. Cams 274, mounted on their hubs 275, are held stationary on the shaft 263, by the setscrews 276, and the angled ends of the arms 271 are adapted to slide over the irregular edges of these cams.

The object of the set screws 276 is to allovv the rises of the cams to be adjusted with respect to the pins 270. The shaft 263 is held stationary in the U-shaped brackets 277. by the set screws 278, While collars 279 prevent the wheels from moving horizontally, the hubs of said Wheels and the hubs of the cams filling all the space on the shaft' that might permit any lateral movement. In place of the pins, the unit Wheel has mounted on its right side the toothed Wheel 280. The teeth of this wheel are designed for engagement with the pawl 281, which is mounted in the bifurcated end 282 of the 1ever 283, where it is movable on the pin 284. A tlat spring 285 holds the awl normally in engagement with the Wheel) teeth, and, at the same time, allows it to give when moving back over the teeth. The lever 293 acts as the armature of the magnet m with a fulcrum (on the end cap 286) composed of the projections 2ST capable of carrying the pin 0n the forward end of the level', a knurled screw 289 and lock nut 290 limit the throw ot this end and 'provide a means for adjusting the throw of the pawl end which is normally held down against the projection 291, by the spring 299A, connected between the hook 292, on the lever and hook 293 on the frame.

The register magnet m3 is composed of the end caps 286 and 294- tof some magnetizable substance, preferably iron) secured in some suitable manner to the core 295 (also of some magnetizable substance) on which the winding 296 is Wound. The core 295 projects through the caps 286 and 291 a sutlieient length for the ends (Whlch are thread ed) to pass through eyes 297 of the angular lnaclrets 298 and receive the nuts 299. The brackets 298, which form a support for the magnet, are of some non-niagnetizable substance. preferably brass. and are secured to the register frame by the cap screws One 'end of the magnet winding is connected to the generator brush 257, by the wires 19() and 260, While the other end is connected to the contact blow out magnet 91 by the vvire The register r is designed to count each piece of mail canceled and, being electrically operated, is capable of being placed at a remote distance from the machine. On the drawings, however, it is shown mounted on the machine and performs its function in the following manner. Vhen the appreaching letter hits the switch tongue 73, thus throwing the pawl 75 over against the block 88, the generator circuit is closed on the register magnet m3. Although the pawl 75 and block 88 remain in contact only an instant, the time is sufficient to operate the ma net whose Winding 296 receives current, which leaves the generator by the brush 257, and passes overjthe Wires 19() and 260. After encirclin the winding 296, it passes to the contact low out magnet 91 (which is insulated from the machine) and thence, by the pivotal bearings 89 and 90, to the bloca 88. From 88, it passes to the pawl 75` (which is then in contact with the block and which also is not insulated from the machine) and reaches the enerator armature, by the body of the machine and the grounded brush 256. The magnet m3, being thus energized, attracts thelever 283, drawing the forward end down against the end cap 294, and, raising the. paw] 281 (which engages one of the teeth of the toothed wheel 280) moves the units wheel 262 a distance sufficient for the flat spring 267 to fall in the next groove of the wheel and thereby expose the succeeding digit before the opening 264. When the pawl 75 has separated from the block 88, the circuit on the magnet m3 will be broken and the spring 299 will act to draw the rear end of the. lever 283 down, and with it the pawl 281, which, by virtue of the spring 28.*. is allowed to drop back over the next tooth of the toothed wheel Each time the circuit ot' the magnet mr is closed, by the pawl 75 coming in contact with the block 8H. this action will he repeated, the arm 271 in the meantime sliding over the rams 274. 'lVhen the nine digits have A been exposed, by the units wheel, the arm 271 on this Wheel will be at the top of rise. on its adjacent cam, and the angular end of the arm will be in a position to engage one of the pins 270 on the tenus wheel. The next-impulse the magnet In? receives, the pawl 281 operates to move the units Wheel so that the cipher ivill be exposed, and the arm 271, on the units wheel, acts against the pin 270, on the tens Wheel, exposin the one. )Vlien thc tens wheel has move the distance of nine digits, its arm 271 will be in a position to engage the pin 270 of the hundreds Wheel, to which it will impart niotion. The hundreds wheel moves the thousands wheel, and the thousands wheel the tens rof thousands wheel, and the tens of V:LO

sheave 236, which (receiving motion from,

4carry at their farther end a j post 315 being the idler drive belt 220) drives the wheel y 302, the arms of saidwheel being designed to press against the letters as they accumplate in the stacker tray, compose of the obliquely disposed rods 305, screwed into the upper bed plate directly above an oblique depression in the same. These rods 305 plate 306, which, aside from lending rigidity tothe tray, serves to keep the ro s equally spaced. The plate is secured to these rods by screws 307, which, passing throu h holes in the,

plate, penetrate the three ed ends of the ro s.'

v A rail 308, fastened at one end to the plate 306, by the screw 309, and at the other end to the post 310, b the screw 311, serves as the outer fence ofy the stacker tray, the post 310 being fastened to the upper bed plate e by the screw 312. The inner fence ofthe tray is formed by the rail 303, whose one extremity is faste ed to the plate 306, by the screw 314, whi e the other rests in the' slotted uppenend of the post 315, in which slot it is held bythe screw 316, the held frictionally in a hole in the upper be plate. y

Braces 317, secured, in some suitable man- 11er, to the late 306 at points 318 andi319, depend obliquely to the lower bed plate I), towhich they are likewise securely fastened, at points 320 and 321. The stacker star wheel fence 322 is mounted on the upper bed plate directly back of the star wheel and is provided with a slot of sutlicient dimensions 'to allow the arms of the star wheel, lwhen being rotated, to pass through the plate. The fence 322 is bolted to t e bed plate by screws 323, through the rejections 324, and isprovided with a V-s aped slot 325, for the rece tion. of the stacker extension arm 326. 'IPhis arm is L-shaped, that portion 327 being hinged, at the point 328, 1n such a manner that its movement downward is limited to a horizontal plane by the shoulder 327t and upward to a vertical plane by another shoulder 327K,- Thele of the L is rovidedwith a .rack.329, w ich meshes with the gearY 330 mounted on the shaft 331, this shaft having asnitable bear-4 ing in the upper bed plate-and a thrust bearing in the lower bed "late, A collar 332 retains the shaft 331 `1n its bearings. Mounted also on `the shaft 331'is a spiral gear 333, which meshes with its .mating spiral 334, secured to the, islipper rod 335,

which (passing through suitable beatings in the lugs 336 and 337, depending from the upper bed plate) terminates just outside the plate 306, in the crank 338, secured to it in some suitabl manner, preferably by a taper pin. Alcol ar 339, set up against the lug 336, relievcsthe rod 335 from any longitudinal movement.

With an extension arm constructed asdescribed above, quick adjustment to suit various lengths of letters (distinguished practically as long and shortletters) is possible, it being only necessary to turn the crank 338, when the motion is transmitted by the rod 335 and spiral gears 333 and 334 to the shaft 331, from which it is communicated by gear 330 tothe rack 329. The arm 326,

Vbeing rigidly connected to the rack 329, then responds to the movement and the arm 326 moves in or out, depending on theY direction in which the crank 338 is turned.

In the stacker tray, between the rods 305 and 305", there runs a grooved pulley 340, solid with the stud 341, which revolves in suitable holes formed in adjacent sides of rods 305* and 305". A grooved pulley 342,

4similar to fpulley 340, rotates in a slotted out portion o the upper bed plate on a stud 343, the stud being set up in the upper bed plate, where it is held by thevthrust plates 344. On the rods 305 and 305", the sleeves 345 and 346 are carried, being capable of a sliding motion thereon, by virtue of the balls 347, which are interposed between the inner surface of the sleeves and the surface of the rods.

Brackets 348 and 349 are mounted on the sleeves 345 and 346, and, connecting with the stacker back 350, serve to make 1t integral with the sleeves. A cord 351, con nected with the back 350', passes down over the pulley 342, then up over the pulley 340 and downward to a weight 352, the gravitation of which weight serves to keep the `stacker back 350 atthe top of the stacker tray, when there are no letters in said tray. When letters en-ter the tray, however, they are forced against the back 350, by thestar fwheel 302. back350 toward the bottom of the tray, and Vat the same time, to raise the weight352.

This action tends to move the As the mail accumulates in the tray, the back 350 is gradually forced backward, while the weight 352 supplies suilicient pressure to keep the hindmost letters upright. When a tray Aof letters is remotretl, all lrestrainin force on the back 350 is lik wise remove and the` weight 352, acting vby gravity, returns the back 350 to the top of the stacker tray.

In place of the plain stacker `back described above, ad as shown in Fig. 1, there maV be used the automatic stacker back (wliyich is continuous in its operations withoutyemoving thestacked mail) shown on the inl at the same `time distending the s rings 377 and 377. At the instant the. locks 374 and 374a meet the rejections 375 and 375, the movement of t e slides 359 act to distend -the springs 371 and 372, and, by

the time the -frame 358 has reached the front ofthe tray, the straddle frame 355 acts on the pawl 366,'liberating the back 366J and the springs 371 and 372 return it 19 to its position inthe bottom of the frame 358, the Wed shaped edge of the back forcing its way tween .the'accumulatedletters in the tray. When-the back 360 is down.

the pawl 383 T engagesj the notch 389, and

the springs 377 and 377Fdraw the blocks 3741and .374* down against the rojections p the stacker back majyvbeorced intosome receptacle, or-downa chute whichmay `be 2 disposedjadjnent tthe said .stacker tray,

that ,is tosay, when the stackerback 1s againmoving rearwardly yfrom the 'im act o vthe letters.l In this manner, it is c ear that an automatic stacker `buclris provided.

22 This chute is desgnate'dby ythe numeral ,460

and is shown in 'dotted lines vin Fig. -5 of the drawings In practice, the operation ofthemachine is as ollows:-When the' motor mis start- #0 ed, by e Suitable switch or rhume mounted on the face-ofthecolumn a, -its' motion transmitted, bythe shaft 1115,' through the` 5 1, to the gear-"50, which revolvesthe s6 separatorcone and to thegear'215, winchv 'drive'eheu've 219, thisheave'219 te put-.fall other moving Barts of 'the mac ne in .motion ethert `lwith. the f generator q'."

@sumar neuesten, 1151 and m with the lat r vg fed'byl the Vfied" brush 25.7, en travelseffthe "i90 i :im 25ans@ balshtlimie; stud firm-l is `it p je?. .iP MQ' i Ml. enrs the. windin. 1.22. from #hermit-tied `emit of which it ground 'brush 256 cf;l1e gicngirutong the head j i initiiert-Lisi'A thus energized, it exerts a strain' on. mellow-413, tending e rente the..

;.ment de 5 'litbf one whichfisj in intimtcontact wit the.

ter, by virtue of the superior contee "surl .face ofthefeediroll'erand belts, creed l'onto the vcarrier belt Stand"` transferredftodrivesthe impression roll and' the'i'dl'er' The ladenb the 'die head driver is rigidlv torconethen acts on the4 into contact with the block 88, closing the circuits simultaneously on the de'tent magnet 95, and on the register magnet m, the circuit of the detent magnet being from the insulated brush 257 of the 'generator g, over the wires 190 and 261, tothe magnet windingV and thence over the .wire 290", to block 88, the pawl 75 and the frame of the machine to the grounded brush 256. The circuit of the register ma et is em bodied in the description of t e re ister and Ain the description .of the switc its operation Vis clearl disclosed. When the switch has closed t e circui on 4the datent magnet, and the. register magnet, the letter vis counted and the plunger core 100 of the detent magnet rises, lifting the tail of the datent 101,Y and throwirg the nose out of en ement'with the notch '105 inf the detent p ate. At this point, the folg5 lower` 113 ofthe die hub driver is free to f move and, followin the leader around, carries 'with it tlie-` 1e hub 107, which prints,on the passing letter the ostmark. When the advancing letter hits t e switch tongue, the closing of the circuits which it controls is only momentary for=the pawi 75 (making contactV with the block 88only `on the forward movementl 'of "thetongue) inreturning to its normal osition hitsthe insulated portion of the lock 88. momentary closing of the detent magnet circuit is enoui; only to. lift. the core 100 long enough to engage the detent 101,*ater "which -'the core drops, allowing the detent, by virtue of its springlOB, to -rengagethe notch 1G5,inthe de ntplate,thus stopping'thc die f hub 107..' A r passing; the printin and impressionrolls the letter is trans erred by the stacker idler "rolls 69v and 70, to the '1,05 stacker tray,1"where itis taken care of by t either the automatic or 'lain' stacker back; Each successive letter' is' l cated in thesame manner, .being transferred :fromv the 'feed hop r, `vvhereitis separatedfrom others to t e stacker tray, and receiving in its -passae the registration ofthe postmark. Y

In 44 `4:3. and 47, a slightly dilerent` form', of switch is show forked at, one' end wTui V 73 and73" the pm' iiflays, as the tongue 73 is oscillated by an a vancing letter.' In the'constructionshown in these figures,rthe

n the tongue 73 being between which forks z s'iibwnfclearly ig. 31; but, insteadof havingjathe switch -tcngueflimited in `one rthe said tonueieglimted by a .doy'vnwj -profectrion 3 downward. projet: is ,madelgintegral withmf'arm '74, "one end fwhich'i', rovided with a downwdly projecting e eeve .74", `while the opposite end fis providedwith ia pn,74, as 1- 'clearly shown in Fig.. 48; Between the l ins86 and.:74the spring 85 is connected, 1

and, as the switch tongue is operated'away from the said projection 73", one fork of the said tongue, which in Fig. 43 is in contact with the pin 86, will operate the pawl 75 and cause the same lto contact with the member 88, thus closing the circuit. This pawl 75 is moved by the said fork until the pin 86 is slightly past the line yay, shown 1n Fig. 44, at which point the sprin 85 will contact upon 4the o posite side o -the stud 74. After lthe a vancing letter has g passed the switch tongue 73, the spring 74d '1s brought into action, the tension of which is greater tha the. Vspring 85, and will thereby overco -fhe said spring 85 suilicient to return the switch tongue 73v in its normal position in contact with the projection 73", and will also cause the fork 73g to return the pawl 75 incontact with the pin 79, as shown clearly in Fig. 44. The sleeve 74b of the said arm .74* fits over the ypin or extension' 74 of the said stud, and, to prevent movement of the said arm and sleeve, a scre'w 74g is threaded into the said sleeve and the said pin or extension.v Th switch tongue andthe pawl 75 arev supported upon the shoulder 75a of the stud, and is prevented from risin means of the sai sleeve. The Spring 74d 30 the bed plate e, While its upper extremity is secured to the switch tongue, as shown at 73"I in Figs. 43 and 47.

Certain methods of adjusting different parts of `this machine have been shown and described, and there has been certain materials and metals andthe like set forth2 but ,it is vto be remembered'thalt the ap hcant is not to be vrestricted to any such imita 40 til ns; these limitations 'have beenset forth and illustrated in the drawings, for the sim- -ple reason, that at the present time they are considered to be the most practical features, so as to rovide commercial value for a machine p this-design.

The invention havin been fully described, so as to set forth its advantages and operation, what is claimed as newl and novel is 1. Infa mail-marking machine; an electric two-part driver having a continuously closed circuit between "the parts; adiecylinder carried by one of said parts; intermittently released. means rfor retarding the part carrying the cylinder; and means 'for operating the driver.

2. In a mail-marking machine; a driver comprising a leader and a follower; one having a bearing within the" other; said leader having a continuously closed circuit lfor actuating theV follower; a diecylinder 'carried by said follower; and `means for intermittently retarding the follower.

3. In a mail-marking machine; a driver V havinga continuously closed electric circuit consisting-of a leader and a; follower; adie- 'cause the follower to be attracted by the from ofl the pin 74 byA has its lower end or extremity secured tocylinder carried by said follower; means for' :intermittently retarding the follower; and means for operating the retarding means to cause the follower to be attracted by the leader. l

4. In a mail-marking-machine; a driver comprising a leader and a follower having a continuously closed electric circuit between them; a die-cylinder carried bv said follower; means lfor retarding the follower; means for operating the retarding means to cause the follower to 'be attracted by the leader; and means for furnishing alcurrent to the leader.

5. In a mail-marking machine; a driver comprising a leader and a follower having a, continuously closed electric circuit "between them; a die-cylinder carried b said follower; means for retarding the fol ower; means for operating the retarding means to leader; said retarding means having means for cushioning said follower when retarded; and means forv furnishing la current to the leader whereby the follower' may be Aattracted.

6. In a mail-marking machine; a driver comprising a leader and a follower having a v'continuously closed electric circuit between them; a diefcylinder carried by said follower; means for retarding the. follower; means for operating the retarding means to cause the follower to be attracted by the leader; and cushioning means for the follower.

7. In amail-marking machine; a-driver comprising a. leader and a follower having a continuously closed electric circuit bctweenthem; said follower beingmounted within the leader with a surrounding space 105 intervening; a die-cylinder carried 'by the follower; means for retarding the follower; and means for 'operating the `retardin means to cause the follower to be attracte by the leader.

-8. In a mail-marking machine; a driver comprising a leader and 'a follower' having a' continuously closed electric circuit between them; a die-cylinder carried by the follower; an impression roller for the cyl 115 inder; an adjustable spri -tensioned means `for cushioning and retar ing' the follower; and means for liberating the follower.

9.111 a mail-marking machine; a, die cylinflar; an electrical driver therefor coriipris` 120 mg a leader and a follower; saidrfollower being movable with the die c linder; an impression rol-l operated by t e leader; and means for retarding the followecintemitmuy. L

1.0. In a mail-marking machine; a die oylinder; an electrical driver therefor comprisi' a leader and a follower; said follower being movable with the die c `linder; an impression roll operated by t e leader; and 13o- 

